The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Monday announced that its more than four lakh members will not work with actor Ranveer Singh following his last-minute exit from Farhan Akhtar’s “Don 3”. The decision comes amid an ongoing dispute over the film, which had been in development for nearly three years.
According to the production team, nearly Rs 45 crore had already been spent during the pre-production phase of the film.
He stated that the directive covers all departments, including cameramen, spot boys, and light technicians. Dubey added that multiple letters and reminders were sent to the actor, but no response was received.
Chief advisor Ashoke Pandit said the producers presented their case before FWICE, after which notices were issued to Singh on three occasions. He said the federation did not receive any response until after the press conference was announced, when Singh reportedly wrote back stating the body had no jurisdiction over the matter.
Pandit added that a meeting of office bearers led to the unanimous decision to impose the non-cooperation directive, effectively barring FWICE members across 38 crafts from working on projects involving the actor.
FWICE is the main trade union and umbrella body representing film and television workers in India. According to its official website, the organisation was established in 1956. Along with looking after the welfare of its members, it also intervenes to resolve disputes between artists, technicians and production houses.
The film was announced by Excel Entertainment in August 2023, with Ranveer Singh introduced as the new Don. Reports suggest he later walked out citing script changes.
FWICE said the decision was taken after repeated attempts to engage with the actor failed, and urged producers across the industry to extend support until the dispute is resolved.
(With input from Agencies)
Complaint triggers industry intervention
The issue began after filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani filed a complaint with the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), which later referred the matter to FWICE for further action. The producers alleged that Singh exited the project just three weeks before the shoot was scheduled to begin, causing significant disruption and financial losses.According to the production team, nearly Rs 45 crore had already been spent during the pre-production phase of the film.
FWICE announces complete non-cooperation
FWICE honorary general secretary Ashok Dubey said at a press conference that no member of the federation would work with Ranveer Singh until the dispute is resolved.He stated that the directive covers all departments, including cameramen, spot boys, and light technicians. Dubey added that multiple letters and reminders were sent to the actor, but no response was received.
Federation cites industry-wide impact
FWICE president B N Tiwari told PTI the organisation intervenes to protect both workers and producers when required and stressed that no individual is above industry rules or systems.Chief advisor Ashoke Pandit said the producers presented their case before FWICE, after which notices were issued to Singh on three occasions. He said the federation did not receive any response until after the press conference was announced, when Singh reportedly wrote back stating the body had no jurisdiction over the matter.
Pandit added that a meeting of office bearers led to the unanimous decision to impose the non-cooperation directive, effectively barring FWICE members across 38 crafts from working on projects involving the actor.
FWICE is the main trade union and umbrella body representing film and television workers in India. According to its official website, the organisation was established in 1956. Along with looking after the welfare of its members, it also intervenes to resolve disputes between artists, technicians and production houses.
‘Don 3’ delay and production background
“Don 3” was planned as a reboot of the franchise, marking Farhan Akhtar’s return to direction after “Don 2” in 2011. The original “Don”, written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan, released in 1978 and starred Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman, while the earlier reboot featured Shah Rukh Khan.The film was announced by Excel Entertainment in August 2023, with Ranveer Singh introduced as the new Don. Reports suggest he later walked out citing script changes.
Further claims and escalation of dispute
Sidhwani and Akhtar have alleged that Singh delayed the project multiple times before finally exiting in December last year, resulting in further setbacks for the production.FWICE said the decision was taken after repeated attempts to engage with the actor failed, and urged producers across the industry to extend support until the dispute is resolved.
Industry reaction and current status
Ashoke Pandit also appealed to producers to stand in solidarity with the directive, stating that it aims to discourage similar situations in the future. The non-cooperation order comes at a time when Ranveer Singh is reportedly at a strong phase in his career following recent box office success.(With input from Agencies)
